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Mt. Carrigain via Signal Ridge Trail
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| Place |
Split Miles |
Total Miles |
Split Time |
Total Time |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signal Ridge Trailhead | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0:00 | 0:00 | ||||
| jct. with Carrigain Notch Tr. (don't take) | 1.7 | 1.7 | ||||||
| Signal Ridge | 2.8 | 4.5 | ||||||
| Mt. Carrigain summit | 0.5 | 5.0 | 3:00 | 3:00 | ||||
| back to Signal Ridge Trailhead | 5.0 | 10.0 | 2:45 | 5:45 |
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The first couple miles of the trail are very easy - either flat or a gradual climb. And
the first of these miles is accompanied by Whiteface Brook which has beautiful (but small)
cascades and inviting pools. So inviting that on the way down Martin and Dave went for a
swim despite the ice cold water. Shortly after passing the trailhead for Carrigain Notch Trail, Signal Ridge Trail begins a moderate but relentless climb. During the last 3 miles of the trail you pay for the mildness of the first 2 miles. There are not many switchbacks - the trail just seems to go up and up with long straight sections. Mostly along the edge of the mountain so there are plenty of views to glimpse in between the tree branches. There are many mushrooms along the trail. Some were colored a bright orange but the most notable ones were the ones that looked like perfectly cooked pancakes. These left Kathy and I craving pancakes. While Kathy and I would have been content to eat what these mushrooms reminded us of; Arnold was only content to eat the mushrooms themselves. It turns out this type is one of his favorites and on the way down he collected a whole bag full. He said that once they're cooked up, they both smell and taste delicious. After 4.5 miles, the view opens up as we reached the small clearing of Signal Ridge. The fantastic views here, combined with pleasantly cool breezes and the shining sun made me want to hang out here for hours. It was a hard spot to leave. There was a great view of the cliffs of Mt. Lowell as well as many other more distant mountains. From the ridge, we also had a clear view of Mt. Carrigain's observation tower so that motivated me to press on to check out that view which promised to be even more interesting. So we dipped down from the ridge, back into the trees, then began the final ascent of Mt. Carrigain. When we reached the summit it was much cooler and windier. From the actual summit the views were somewhat limited as there were still a lot of small evergreens, but climbing to the top of the observation tower rewarded us with unobstructed 360 degree views. The winds were extremely strong and we all bundled up in our warmest clothes to enjoy the spectacular vistas. Warm overall. Very cold and strong winds at top of observation tower; summit pleasantly cool and not as windy. Start time: 11 a.m. Driving Directions From Rt. 112 (Kancamagus Highway), turn onto Bear Notch Road (on the North side of the highway, roughly midway between either end of Kancamagus Highway). At the end of Bear Notch Road, turn left onto Rt. 302 West. After approximately 3 miles turn left onto Sawyer River Road (FR 34). Follow this narrow dirt road for 2 miles, after going over a bridge, turn left into a parking area. The trailhead is on the opposite side of the road, and on the opposite side of the bridge as the parking area. Other Notes This is part of the White Mountain National Forest so a WMNF parking permit is required. |
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